Australia’s best canoe slalom paddlers have arrived in Penrith ahead of the 2023 Paddle Australia Canoe Slalom Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium this weekend.
Olympic champion Jessica Fox will headline a field of athletes from across the country, their last time competing on home soil before they embark to Europe for the international season including the World Championships
“I’m excited to be racing again. Nationals is always a good event to get on the start line and I’m looking forward to it,” Fox said.
“It’s amazing to see all of the development squad athletes here this weekend for Nationals.
“There’s everyone from 10 years old right through to some veteran athletes…there’s a whole range of paddlers enjoying being out on the water and that’s what we love to see,” she said.
Athletes will go head to head in the traditional canoe and kayak events, as well as the teams event and new Olympic discipline of Kayak Cross.
The venue built for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games will host the weekend of competition, which gets underway on Friday 14 April through to Sunday 16 April.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said Penrith City Council is a proud Strategic Partner of the 2023 Paddle Australia Canoe Slalom National Championships and is thrilled for the City of Penrith to host this elite sporting event.
“Penrith is such a great place to host incredible sporting events and we’re thrilled to be welcoming athletes and spectators back to our venues and businesses after COVID put things on hold,” Cr Hitchen said.
“I would encourage everyone visiting our City to make sure they take the time to see and enjoy all that Penrith has to offer! We really do have it all, from spectacular outdoor adventures and adrenaline attractions, to fascinating historical treasures, diverse shopping, arts and culture, and a vibrant dining and bars scene to top it off.
“I congratulate all the athletes who are competing at this event and commend them on their dedication to their sport. I wish them well and hope you all enjoy your visit to Penrith.”
Racing starts at 9am on Friday, with the canoe and kayak heats.
